Saul, from Conversion to Conflict Acts 9:19-31

The same Saul who experienced a tremendous conversion on the Road to Damascus, now finds himself in conflict at Damascus for preaching Jesus (Acts 9:19-22). Saul had made such havoc in his intense persecution of the Saints until the Jews were awfully astonished that he had made such a dramatic change in now preaching Jesus (Acts 9:20-21). Not only did Saul preach that Jesus is the Son of God (v.20) but that He is the Messiah (v.22). On the dramatic Road to Damascus, Saul readily understood who Jesus is!  Jesus Christ made a remarkable impact on Saul’s life, for truly Saul was a changed man

The Damascus Jews were bewildered in the changed behavior of a once violent persecutor, for now he has become an ardent proclaimer of the word. What an unusual change that has been wrought in the life of a once fierce persecutor of the Saints. He is now preaching Christ! Not only did Saul understand who Christ was on the Damascus Road, but he also understood that the ministry of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ will involve suffering (Acts 9:16). It is noteworthy that Saul knew who Jesus was, as he witnessed in the synagogues in Damascus. As believers in this age, in witnessing for Christ, we must know who Jesus is before we tell others about what He has done! I am so glad that someone told me that Jesus paid the full penalty of my sins; moreover the just died for the unjust, for 2 Corinthians 5:21, says: “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”

Not only was Saul in conflict with the Jewish leaders as he preached Jesus (Acts 9:19-22) but the same leaders conspired or plotted to kill Saul (Acts 9:23-31). To escape their murderous attempt, Saul’s followers lowered him in a basket over the wall. This same Saul who persecuted the Saints of God now finds himself in danger with the Jewish leaders. In Acts 9:26-31, having left Jerusalem initially in his efforts to persecute the Saints in Damascus, Saul went back to Jerusalem and now he is preaching Christ. Saul associates with the work in Jerusalem, but the Saints are afraid of him.

Because of his violent behavior in the past, Saul needed a friend in Damascus named Ananias; now Saul needs a friend name Barnabas to testify for him in Jerusalem. Thank God that Saul had a friend in Barnabas whose name means “son of consolation or encouragement.” Barnabas persuaded the believers in Jerusalem that Saul indeed had been converted! Although Saul was in continual conflict with his enemies, he boldly spoke in the name of Jesus (v.29). Aided by some brethren, Saul was finally escorted to Caesarea and then sent to his hometown of Tarsus (v.30).

In conclusion, as we promote the name of Christ, we will encounter troubles, but the Lord will sustain us, for 2 Timothy 3:12, says:” Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” This same Saul, whose name was changed to Paul, admonished Timothy to remain steadfast in the ministry, as Paul’s ministry was concluding, when he said: “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:5-8).

May God Bless.